Mancini calls for provincial plan to daylight Sawmill River

June 5, 2015

NDP candidate Marian Mancini is calling on the provincial government to put in place a plan to ensure the daylighting of the Sawmill River in Dartmouth.

“This project benefits both the local economy and the environment,” says Mancini. “Unfortunately the approval process appears to be stalled at the municipal level. To help move this process along I’m asking the provincial government to provide a clear expression of support while outlining what it’s prepared to do to ensure that the Sawmill River is daylighted.”

Dartmouth – Cole Harbour MP Robert Chisholm says HRM staff and Halifax Water seem to be resistant to the concept of daylighting and to the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans requirement for fish passage. On May 13 of this year Chisholm wrote to Mayor Savage to voice his displeasure.

“To be perfectly honest with you, they appear to be stonewalling this project,” says Chisholm. “Given the community’s vocal support, officials really need to explain why they are so hostile to the idea of installing the required fish passage and of daylighting the Sawmill River.”

Walter Regan, President of the Sackville Rivers Association, says provincial support is crucial.

“The daylighting of the Sawmill River will benefit tourism, the business community, homeowners and the local ecosystem,” says Regan. “It’s a win-win for everyone involved, and it’s time the province issue a clear statement of where they stand on the project.”